Beretta Cheetah

The Beretta Cheetah, also known by its original model name of "Series 81", or "80 Series", is a line of compact blowback operated semi-automatic pistols designed and manufactured by Beretta of Italy. They were introduced in 1976 and include models in .32 ACP (Models 81 and 82), .380 ACP (9 mm Short) (Models 83, 84, 85, 86, and 80X) and .22 LR (Models 87, 87 Target and 89). Production paused in 2017, but Beretta revived the marque in 2023 with the release of the 80X (an updated version of the 84).

81 and 82
These two models are chambered for the .32 ACP cartridge. The 81 has a double stacked magazine with 12 round capacity, while the 82 has a single stacked magazine with nine round capacity and resultant thinner grips.

83, 84 and 85
These three models are chambered for the .380 ACP (9 mm Short) cartridge. The 84 has a double stacked magazine with 13 round capacity, while the 83 and 85 have a single stacked magazine with seven and eight round capacity respectively, and resultant thinner grips. The 84 and 85 have a 3.81" barrel, while the 83 has a 4" barrel.

86
Introduced in 1991, the model 86 is chambered for the .380 ACP (9 mm Short) cartridge, but differs significantly from other models in the series, because it has a redesigned front end with a tip-up barrel that hinges at the muzzle to open the breech. This allows the shooter to load a cartridge directly into the chamber, and not have to operate the slide. The 86 uses a single-stack magazine like the 85. Due to low demand, the 86 was discontinued in 2004. Because of its rarity, the 86 demands high prices on the collector's market. In 2023, EAA released a clone of the 86 called the Girsan MC-14T. The MC-14T is very similar to the 86, except it uses a standard 84 double stack magazine instead of the 86's single stack, and has an accessory rail.

87
Introduced in 1977, there are two distinct 87 models both chambered for .22 LR. The standard model is similar to other models, but the 87 Target has a longer barrel and slide, can accept optical sights, and is single action only. The 87 was discontinued in 2013, although it was produced again briefly in 2017. The 87 is considered one of the rarest models.

89
Produced from 1984 to 2012, the model 89 is also chambered for the .22 LR and is designed for competition and range training, with a lightweight frame and ergonomic grips.

80X
Introduced in 2023, the 80X is an updated version of the model 84FS chambered for the .380 ACP (9 mm Short) cartridge. The 80X has a Vertec (straight back) grip, reshaped trigger guard, a Picatinny rail on the frame for accessories like a white light or laser, and an optics ready slide. It also has an improved adjustable trigger, an easier-to-rack slide with forward serrations, and lightened recoil from tuning of the slide weight and spring rates. This gun uses a captive recoil guide rod assembly instead of having separate guide rod and recoil spring parts. Beretta ships the 80X with magazines that do not have a metal strip across the follower lip that engages the slide catch (similar to MecGar's magazines for the 84). This design helps hollow point bullets feed reliably. Beretta 84 magazines can be used with the 80X, but FMJ bullets should be used in such instances.

Versions
There are potentially five versions for models 81 through 87. The features for each version in models 81, 82, 84 and 85 are consistent between models (i.e., the 81FS, 82FS, 84FS and 85FS all have similar features). This is not the case with models 83, 86, 87 and 89, which were not made in all versions.

Base versions (no letter suffix)
Base versions of models 81 through 87 are noted for having a rounded trigger guard and generally fewer safety features than subsequent versions. The safety lever is ambidextrous and frame mounted. The frame is alloy, the slide is blued steel and the standard grips are wood. Also, the guide rods and recoil springs are thinner than subsequent versions. The backs of the guide rods are flat, whereas the backs of the guide rods for later versions have a small "nub" or bump.

B versions
Introduced in 1980, the B versions of models 81, 82, 84, and 85 introduced an automatic firing pin safety, a shorter extractor and grooved front and back straps. The "B" designation means "Brevettato", meaning "patent", referring to a new alteration on the design.

BB versions
Introduced in 1982, the BB versions of models 81, 82, 84 and 85 have more serrations on the slide as well as white dot and post sights. The guide rod and recoil spring are slightly wider than in previous iterations, and the guide rod has a small "nub" or bump on the back. The "BB" designation means "Brevettato Brevettato", meaning that it is the second alteration to the design.

F versions
Introduced around 1988, the F versions of models 81, 82, 84 and 85 introduced the "combat" trigger guard with a squared-off front that allows for a finger hold, plastic grips, a proprietary "Bruniton" finish, a chrome-plated barrel and chamber, and a combination safety and decocker lever. Because the F version incorporates Bruniton, a chromed barrel and a squared trigger guard, much like the Beretta 92F, which had been released around the same time, Beretta added the similar F designation to the 84. The "F" means "Federale", or "Federal" in Italian, which was added to the 92 to denote its entry into United States federal government testing.

FS versions
Introduced around 1990, Beretta improved the decocker mechanism in models 81, 82, 84 and 85 to avoid the levers getting stuck in a "half" position. (The "F" versions could still be fired if the decocker levers were in the "half" position, and the frame area near the levers could be chipped.) Also, the 81FS, 84FS, and 85FS were occasionally available in nickel finishes. The "FS" designation signifies either "Scivolo" (meaning "slide") or "Sicurezza" (meaning "patent" or safe") in Italian, due to the design's improved safety mechanism.

X versions (currently only the 80X)
The 80X uses a captive recoil guide rod assembly, a larger beavertail on the back of the frame (to protect against "slide bite"), and a Vertec (straight back) grip.

Beretta has sold factory-painted Bronze and Olive Drab Green models of the 80X in addition to the standard blued model. The "X" suffix is added to the model number to signify its use of the Xtreme-S trigger system, much like the 92X.

Browning BDA 380 & FN 140 DA
From 1977 to 1997, Beretta built the Browning BDA 380, which is essentially the model 84BB with a standard ejection port (instead of an open slide), a slide-mounted decocker/safety, and a spur hammer. Beretta also made the FN 140 DA, which is identical to the BDA 380 except for being marked "Fabrique Nationale" instead of "Browning". The 140 DA was also made in a .32 ACP version.

Clones
Two Turkish companies, Girsan and Tisas, manufacture pistols based on the BB versions of .380 Cheetahs.

Girsan
 * MC14DA: enclosed slide similar to the Browning BDA 380 but with frame-mounted safety
 * MC14G84: clone of the Beretta 84BB
 * MC14T: clone of the Beretta 86 but uses double-stack magazines

Tisas
 * Fatih: clone of the Beretta 84BB

Users

 * 🇰🇿 Kazakhstan — since 2007 used as service pistol in private security companies
 * 🇯🇵 — Model 85 is used by Drug regulator of Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
 * 🇰🇿 Kazakhstan — since 2007 used as service pistol in private security companies
 * 🇯🇵 — Model 85 is used by Drug regulator of Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
 * 🇯🇵 — Model 85 is used by Drug regulator of Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
 * 🇯🇵 — Model 85 is used by Drug regulator of Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
 * 🇯🇵 — Model 85 is used by Drug regulator of Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare